Ep. 116: A conversation with Christina Cottiero and Expédit Ologou about Benin

Joining us this week are special guests Christina Cottiero, a political science PhD student at UC San Diego doing award-winning research on regional security issues in West Africa, and Expédit Ologou, the founder and president at the Civic Academy for Africa’s Future, an independent research think tank in Benin, and a Senior Political Governance Officer for the Benin Office of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. They join Rachel for a conversation about the presidential election in Benin and ongoing concerns about de-democratization in the country.In the news wrap, Kim and Rachel talk about Lesotho's political impasse, corruption in South African politics, connecting looted African art to the BLM movement, and more.Books, Links, & Articles  “A Trip to Lesotho, the ‘Kingdom of the Sky'” by Alan Taylor“Lesotho’s political impasse: A case of déjà vu?” by Craig Moffat“South Africa’s ruling party is going after corrupt leaders. That’s only half the problem.” by Patrick Pierson“The ANC’s “Top Six” in South Africa” by John Campbell“Magashule Files Court Papers against Ramaphosa, ANC” by Emsie Ferreira“If U.S. Museums Say Black Lives Matter, Then They Should Return Africa’s stolen art” by Karen Attiah“Kenya Leader’s Constitutional Reform Bid Illegal: High Court”“Concealing Conflict Markets: How Rebels and Firms Use State Institutions to Launder Wartime Trade” by Rachel Sweet“Rebels with a business cause: Part I” by Sam Ratner“Benin Continues to Slide toward Autocracy” by Tyson Roberts“Chad’s President Lived and Died by the Gun. Will the Country Shift Away from Militarized Rule?” by Marielle Debos“Benin’s Militant Problem May Worsen after Last Month’s Election” by Christina CottieroFind the books, links, and articles we mentioned in this episode on our website, ufahamuafrica.com.